punitive damages awards

Punitive damages are monetary awards given by a court beyond actual damages to punish a defendant for particularly harmful or wrongful behavior and to deter future misconduct. They are intended to send a strong message that certain conduct is unacceptable, often awarded in cases of gross negligence, fraud, or malicious intent. Unlike compensatory damages, which cover direct losses, punitive damages are about punishment and discouragement, and their amount can be significantly higher than the actual damages owed.